14 Largest Cities in Mississippi [2025]
Though it’s a relatively small state, you might be surprised just how much diversity the largest cities in Mississippi offer. From the historic charm of Jackson to the vibrant coastal life in Gulfport, Mississippi’s biggest cities provide a mix of urban amenities and suburban tranquility, all within reach of each other.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the 14 largest cities in Mississippi, highlighting everything from job opportunities to schools, local attractions, and neighborhoods to help you find the right fit based on your preferences.
1. Jackson
- Population: 143,709
- Median rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,081
- Median household income: $43,238
- Walk score: 26
- Transit score: 18
- Bike score: 33
As the largest city in Mississippi, Jackson is the state's vibrant capital, offering a unique blend of Southern hospitality, history, and modern amenities. Living in Jackson means being surrounded by cultural attractions like the Mississippi Museum of Art and the Jackson Zoo, as well as historic landmarks like the Eudora Welty House and Garden.
The city is also home to a growing job market, especially in government, healthcare, and education. The University of Mississippi Medical Center and Jackson State University are two major employers, making healthcare and education some of the biggest sectors.
While Jackson offers plenty of job opportunities, it faces some urban challenges like any major city in Mississippi, such as higher crime rates in certain areas. Despite this, if you’re looking for a city with character and history, Jackson is worth considering.
2. Gulfport
- Population: 72,823
- Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $825
- Median household income: $46,044
- Walk score: 23
- Transit score: N/A
- Bike score: 37
For those who dream of coastal living, Gulfport is one of the best cities in Mississippi to settle down in. Located along the Gulf of Mexico, Gulfport offers residents beautiful waterfront views, plenty of outdoor activities, and a laid-back lifestyle.
Whether you’re strolling along the beach at Jones Park, exploring the shops and restaurants at the Gulfport Premium Outlets, or enjoying fresh Italian food at Salute Italian Restaurant, this city in Mississippi offers plenty of opportunities for relaxation and adventure.
The job market here is driven by industries such as tourism, gaming, and shipbuilding, with major employers like Ingalls Shipbuilding and the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino within driving distance of Gulfport.
Families will also appreciate the top-rated Gulfport School District, which provides quality public education.
3. Southaven
- Population: 56,581
- Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,075
- Median household income: $76,159
- Walk score: 19
- Transit score: N/A
- Bike score: 28
Southaven, Mississippi, sits just south of Memphis across the Mississippi-Tennessee border. It is one of the biggest cities in Mississippi, offering the perks of suburban living with proximity to a major metropolitan area. Southaven has experienced rapid growth in recent years, making it one of the fastest-developing Mississippi cities.
The city is home to a thriving retail scene, with the Southaven Towne Center offering plenty of shopping and dining options. If you’re a sports fan, you’ll appreciate the Landers Center, where you can catch local sports events or concerts.
Job opportunities are also abundant in nearby Memphis, which has a booming healthcare, retail, and logistics industry, including companies like FedEx and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Plus, the schools in Southaven are well regarded, and the city itself is relatively affordable compared to its neighboring metro area.
4. Hattiesburg
- Population: 48,414
- Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $825
- Median household income: $44,140
- Walk score: 34
- Transit score: N/A
- Bike score: 48
Hattiesburg, often referred to as Hub City, offers a unique combination of Southern charm and college-town energy. Home to the University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg has a youthful vibe with plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment options, especially around Downtown Hattiesburg.
Whether you’re grabbing a bite at local favorites like Keg and Barrel or enjoying a craft beer at Southern Prohibition Brewery, you’ll always find something to do here.
The job market in Hattiesburg is driven by education, healthcare, and retail, with employers like Forrest General Hospital and the University of Southern Mississippi leading the way.
The city also boasts an affordable cost of living and a number of parks, including Kamper Park, making it ideal for families.
5. Biloxi
- Population: 48,235
- Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $750
- Median household income: $55,958
- Walk score: 31
- Transit score: N/A
- Bike score: 41
If living near the water is your dream, Biloxi offers the best of coastal living. Known for its stunning beaches, world-class casinos, and seafood, Biloxi is one of the most desirable places in Mississippi for those who enjoy the outdoors and a fun, laid-back lifestyle.
Biloxi Bay Bridge offers sweeping views of the coastline, and the area is filled with outdoor recreation options, including fishing, boating, and golfing. For foodies, Biloxi is famous for its seafood, and Mary Mahoney’s Old French House is a must-try for fresh Gulf Coast cuisine.
The Beau Rivage Resort and Casino and the IP Casino Resort Spa provide entertainment and employment opportunities in the hospitality and gaming sectors. The city also offers affordable housing and a growing job market in tourism, healthcare, and retail.
6. Olive Branch
- Population: 47,029
- Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,395
- Median household income: $98,421
- Walk score: 14
- Transit score: N/A
- Bike score: 27
Olive Branch is a relatively affordable, family-friendly town that has grown rapidly in recent years due to its proximity to Memphis.
As one of the fastest-growing towns in Mississippi, Olive Branch offers suburban living with easy access to city amenities. The job market here benefits from its location just southeast of Memphis, with opportunities in retail, healthcare, and logistics. Companies like International Paper and FedEx provide local employment, while Olive Branch itself has a variety of smaller businesses, including retail shops and restaurants.
Olive Branch is known for its excellent schools, including Olive Branch High School, and its peaceful residential neighborhoods.
While the city may not have the same cultural offerings as larger Mississippi cities, Olive Branch’s proximity to Memphis and affordable housing options make it an attractive choice for renters.
7. Tupelo
- Population: 37,675
- Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,235
- Median household income: $66,314
- Walk score: 21
- Transit score: N/A
- Bike score: 29
Tupelo, the birthplace of Elvis Presley, is a charming city in Mississippi that combines rich history with small-town appeal. It’s a perfect place for renters who want to experience Southern hospitality and culture without the hustle and bustle of a larger city. For music lovers, Tupelo offers the Elvis Presley Birthplace Museum.
While the job market is centered around healthcare, education, and manufacturing, with employers like North Mississippi Medical Center, Tupelo is one of the largest cities in Mississippi with a relatively low cost of living.
The community is very tight-knit, and the city has plenty of green spaces, making it a great place for those seeking a quieter, family-friendly lifestyle.
8. Meridian
- Population: 35,551
- Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $625
- Median household income: $34,657
- Walk score: 26
- Transit score: N/A
- Bike score: 33
Located close to the eastern border of Mississippi, Meridian offers a combination of history, charm, and a slower pace of life. A key railroad hub, Meridian has a rich history, reflected in its beautifully restored downtown and the Mississippi Industrial Heritage Museum.
While the job market is diverse, with healthcare and manufacturing as the primary sectors, Meridian is also home to a vibrant arts scene, including the Meridian Museum of Art and performances at the Temple Theater for the Performing Arts.
Affordable housing and good schools make it a family-friendly town, and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy Bonita Lakes Park and the Lakeview Golf Course. While Meridian may not have the job opportunities or fast-paced lifestyle of major cities in Mississippi, it offers a slower pace of living that is ideal for those who appreciate Southern charm.
9. Clinton
- Population: 26,698
- Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $900
- Median household income: $70,913
- Walk score: 19
- Transit score: 0
- Bike score: 28
Clinton, which is a quiet suburban city located just northwest of Jackson, is a great place for renters who want to live close to the biggest city in Mississippi while enjoying a more relaxed lifestyle.
Clinton boasts excellent schools, including Clinton High School, making it ideal for families. The city in Mississippi is home to Mississippi College, a Christian liberal arts school, which adds a youthful vibe and plenty of cultural activities like concerts and theater performances.
The job market in Clinton benefits from the city's proximity to Jackson, with opportunities in education, government, and healthcare.
Plus, local attractions like Natchez Trace Parkway and the Clinton Community Nature Center provide great options for outdoor enthusiasts.
10. Pascagoula
- Population: 21,582
- Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $700
- Median household income: $43,286
- Walk score: 33
- Transit score: N/A
- Bike score: 39
Located along the Gulf Coast, Pascagoula is one of the most scenic towns in Mississippi. Known for its picturesque waterfront, this large town offers a slower-paced lifestyle that’s perfect for those who love being near the water.
Pascagoula Beach Park and the Gulf Islands National Seashore are perfect for outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and kayaking. As a major shipbuilding center, Pascagoula offers job opportunities in the maritime industry, with Ingalls Shipbuilding being one of the largest employers in the area.
The cost of living in Pascagoula is quite low, and while the city doesn’t have the same level of entertainment or shopping as larger Mississippi cities, it offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle that’s hard to beat.
11. Vicksburg
- Population: 20,192
- Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $628
- Median household income: $42,484
- Walk score: 20
- Transit score: N/A
- Bike score: 25
Located along the Mississippi River on the Mississippi-Louisiana border, Vicksburg is known for its rich Civil War history and charming small-town atmosphere.
The Vicksburg National Military Park is a must-visit, with preserved battlefields, monuments, and museums that provide a fascinating glimpse into the past. The job market is driven by government, healthcare, and tourism, with local employers like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Merit Health River Region.
Plus, with a low cost of living, Vicksburg is a great option for renters seeking a historic city with modern conveniences.
12. Laurel
- Population: 16,979
- Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $795
- Median household income: $37,781
- Walk score: 31
- Transit score: N/A
- Bike score: 33
Laurel is a charming Southern town known for its historic architecture and its role as the setting for the HGTV series Home Town.
This city in Mississippi offers the warm Southern hospitality you’d expect, making it ideal for families and retirees. With a low cost of living and relatively affordable housing, Laurel is a great place to settle down without breaking the bank.
The town is also home to some great local shops like Laurel Mercantile Co., which showcases local goods and crafts.
While Laurel may not offer the same job opportunities as larger cities, it is close enough to Hattiesburg for residents to commute for work.
13. Flowood
- Population: 10,675
- Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,272
- Median household income: $83,204
- Walk score: N/A
- Transit score: N/A
- Bike score: N/A
Just outside Jackson, Flowood is a growing city that offers suburban living with easy access to Mississippi's largest city. The job market in Flowood is centered around healthcare, retail, and professional services, with employers like St. Dominic Hospital and the Outlets of Mississippi providing employment opportunities very close by.
Residents also enjoy outdoor activities at Ross B. Barnett Reservoir, which offers boating, fishing, and hiking.
Overall, the city's affordable housing and proximity to Jackson make it an ideal spot for those who want to live outside the city but still have easy access to all its amenities.
14. Richland
- Population: 7,400
- Starting rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,215
- Median household income: $63,611
- Walk score: N/A
- Transit score: N/A
- Bike score: N/A
A small but growing city, Richland is a great place for renters who prefer the quieter pace of life in a suburban setting. Located just outside Jackson, this town in Mississippi offers easy access to the state's capital while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere.
Richland is known for its low crime rate, affordable housing, and family-friendly environment, and while there aren’t as many attractions here as there are in larger Mississippi cities, the city’s parks, like Richland Westside Park, offer space for outdoor recreation.
Data on Cities in Mississippi
Rent estimates come from our database of median rent rates (linked in each entry) unless they were unavailable, in which case we used the averages from current listings or starting rent. These can be found in the apartment listings for each city.
Current population and land size data come from the U.S. Census Bureau, while transit scores come from walkscore.com.
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